Looking for answers to specific beauty-related questions, or curious about how to establish an effective skincare routine? Want to update your beauty products or treat skin conditions like psoriasis? Our Beauty & Skincare Guide can help! Peruse the following FAQs to get tips on finding the right products for your skin type and maintaining healthy skin year-round, in every season.

SKIN TYPE

“There is certainly no absolute standard of beauty. That precisely is what makes its pursuit so interesting.” - John Kenneth Galbraith

Ever wonder why the same product that delivers miracle results for some people just doesn’t work for your skin? The answer might be simpler than you think. Before you can create an effective skincare regimen, you first have to know your skin type. Do you battle dry, flaky skin, or does excess oil keep you reaching for the blotting papers? Maybe your challenge is finding a cleanser that doesn’t cause rash and irritation. Whether your skin type is dry, oily, acne-prone, combination or sensitive, the key is using the right products and ingredients. Read on for helpful FAQs on how to determine your skin type and what to look for in a skincare routine.

A: There are countless factors that influence skin type including weather, genetics, age and health. If you’re unsure about your skin type, consult a dermatologist or an esthetician for a skin evaluation. Also, consider checking out The Skin Type Solution by dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D. In it, Dr. Baumann helps you identify your skin type and find the best products for you. Remember that understanding your skin type is important for determining proper products to use in your skin care and makeup routine.

A: Although a mild cleanser and moisturizer are ideal for everyone, it’s important to consider your skin type. Creams are typically too heavy for oily skin types, whereas they’re perfect for a dry complexion. Also, keep in mind that your skin type can change according to “season, diet and age,” notes the Web site, Smart Skin Care. So when shopping for skincare products, look for formulas specifically made for your skin type. You can also see a dermatologist to get recommendations based on your skin’s needs.

A: Yes, it is. Wool is a well-known culprit, along with many synthetic fabrics. If you have really itchy, sensitive skin, try wearing cotton clothing to keep irritation to a minimum. Also, avoid tight-fitting clothes; they don’t allow skin to breathe, and might rub or chafe the skin.

The key is to really pare down your routine for two to four weeks, and use a gentle cleanser, chemical-free sunblock (look for ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) and a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer, suggests Marie Claire. Then, after several weeks, start using your old products one by one. Watch for reactions when adding each product so you’ll know if one of your old products was the culprit.

A: In The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beautiful Skin, author Marsha Gordon explains that toners are great for removing greasy residue left behind by makeup and cleansers. But people with sensitive skin should avoid toners that contain alcohol, which can irritate the skin. For a gentle toner, try Avene Gentle Toner.

A: Unless your skin is seriously sensitive — and in that case, see a dermatologist — you should definitely be exfoliating. Sloughing off dead skin cells has many benefits, including revealing newer, more radiant skin and letting products penetrate deeper into the skin. Not exfoliating creates a dull, dry complexion and contributes to clogged pores. The key is to look for a gentle scrub that’s specifically designed for sensitive skin. Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive contains a 10 percent complex with certified organic apple, lemon, grape juices and raw cane sugar. It leaves skin radiant, nourished and healthy. To exfoliate the body, try NUXE Reve de Miel Fondant Exfoliating Shower Cream, which features spherical beads to smooth away dead skin.

A: Avoid using products that can be too harsh on your skin, such as those that contain alcohol or high levels of active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid, all of which can strip the skin. Also, don't use rich creamy products on oily areas, since this can make skin greasy and clog pores.

A: As a general rule, gel formulas will be more drying, so look for a cream or lotion. Additionally, many salicylic acid products also contain ingredients like chamomile or witch hazel to soothe sensitive skin. Always follow with a moisturizer to prevent uncomfortable dryness while keeping acne at bay.

A: Using hydrating formulas will be key for you. In Advance magazine, New York dermatologist Francesca Fusco, M.D., says that emollient-rich creams are better than gels or lotions, and that products should be labeled “hypoallergenic, alcohol-free, fragrance-free, or for sensitive/rosacea skin.” Dr. Fusco also recommends non-abrasive milky cleansers and moisturizers formulated with moisture-retaining ingredients like “lipids, hyaluronic acid – and ceramides.”

A: You’ll want to avoid anti-acne cleansers and formulas that contain high concentrations of benzoyl peroxide, which can be incredibly drying. Try using a spot treatment with salicylic acid, a gentler ingredient. For a closer look at your options, check out our article on acne treatments for dry and sensitive skin. If you’ve already tried various products and nothing seems to work, consult a dermatologist.

A: If your face flakes, itches or feels tight or dry just several hours after moisturizing, then you probably need a thicker, creamier formula. Or look for “long-lasting” moisturizers, which typically contain a mix of occlusives and humectants. As a general rule, creams, oils and ointments work best on drier skin, whereas lighter lotions or serums are ideal for oily skin, according to dermatologist Cameron Rokhsar, M.D., on iVillage.

A: Probably not, but if you want to give it a go, be sure to use a very hydrating moisturizer, and try applying the powder with a brush for the most natural-looking coverage. This will also minimize dryness on the skin.

A: Dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., on her Yahoo! Health blog, The Skin Guru, suggests that individuals with very oily complexions use serums, which are lightweight and deliver concentrated nutrients to the skin. She recommends using Celazome Serum Vitae because of its high antioxidant content and various skin-boosting benefits, such as neutralizing free radicals and minimizing inflammation.

A: You don’t need a toner, but it can be helpful if you have oily skin. A toner picks up any leftover residue after cleansing and dries excess oil. Some toners also have a matte effect on the skin, reducing shine.

A. Touch-ups and blotting papers will be your best bet. Keep a small beauty bag around with some of your cosmetic necessities along with Philosophy Supernatural Blotting Papers, which are perfect in a pinch to eliminate excess oil and shine.

A: Despite common misconceptions, all skin types, including oily or acne-prone, need a moisturizer. Drying out your skin with harsh treatments only increases the opportunity for blemishes to appear. Make sure to choose an oil-free, noncomedogenic (doesn't clog pores) moisturizer that balances skin’s moisture levels.

Many women are surprised to find that as they age their skin completely changes skin types from oily to normal, or from normal to dry. As we age, we lose some of the fat padding and connective tissues that are designed to support skin from sagging. Skin becomes more dry and less elastic. Try switching to a product line meant for those with combination skin types rather than oily skin, and start using a hydrating acne spot treatment for those occasional breakouts. Some great products to try include Murad Moisturizing Acne Treatment Gel.

Remember, most products are not one-size-fits-all, so tailoring your skincare routine to your specific needs is essential to creating and maintaining healthy skin. Before you stock up on products that may not work for your skin, learn what to look for and what to avoid for your skin type.

SEASONAL SKINCARE

“The fruition of beauty is no chance of hit or miss... it is inevitable as life.” - Walt Whitman

Skincare isn’t a static routine—when the weather changes, our skin often changes as well. Fluctuating temperatures and humidity means that our skin responds by changing its chemistry, which requires that we make adaptations to our skincare regimen. Dry skin may become oily in the summer, and cooler temps can bring on dry, flaky skin. Learn how to adjust your skincare routine to fit seasonal changes with these FAQs.

A: Though temps don’t make your makeup slip and slide just yet — unless you live in a tropical place – it’s best to go for a lighter look, so you don’t appear overdone. Consider skipping lip liner and lipstick in favor of lip gloss — or if you’re wearing lipstick, layer on gloss. Skip dark eye liners and choose browns and grays. And add bronzer and a bright blush to your beauty routine.

A: Because skin is still pretty sensitive from the wintertime, ease into spring with a gentle exfoliating cleanser or moisturizer that contains alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids, dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, M.D., tells WebMD. Exfoliating is a great way to slough off dead skin cells that accumulate during the cold winter months. She also suggests avoiding mechanical exfoliants. That’s because “Scrubs that contain walnut shells or apricot pits, for example, can cause microscopic tears in the skin that can ultimately make dry winter skin look and feel much worse, especially on your face,” Dr. Waldorf says on WebMD.

A: According to beauty expert Claudia Spagnolo on WebMD, the best way to transition your skin into spring or summer is to consistently cleanse, tone and moisturize twice a day. Also, once a week, incorporate a facial steam. You can do this with or without a mask. In the same article, Heidi Waldorf, M.D., director of dermatologic laser surgery at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City, says that it’s important to find the mildest cleanser for your skin type.

A: Dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., on her Yahoo! Health blog, The Skin Guru, suggests that individuals with very oily complexions use serums, which are lightweight and deliver concentrated nutrients to the skin. She recommends using Celazome Serum Vitae because of its high antioxidant content and various skin-boosting benefits, such as neutralizing free radicals and minimizing inflammation.

A: The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a twofold solution to oily-prone skin: After applying SPF moisturizer and/or foundation, apply compressed powder with a sponge. The tiny pigmented talc particles in makeup powder will provide some sun protection, plus help sunscreen and moisturizer from slipping off in the heat. For oil relief throughout the day, use blotting papers like Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets.

A: One of the most important things you can do to shield your skin is to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply it every two hours (or sooner if you’re sweating). Most people associate sun damage with summer but that’s a dangerous assumption. Snow reflects UV rays, making you even more vulnerable to damage. Here’s more on how to care for your skin when skiing, snowboarding or doing other winter activities. Also, be aware that UV rays can be seriously damaging to your eyes, so always wear sun-protective glasses or goggles.

A: Don’t restrict yourself to using an oil-free moisturizer year-round, writes dermatologist, Leslie Baumann, M.D., on her Yahoo! Health blog, The Skin Guru. When your skin is oily, use a lotion or serum, she suggests. When skin is dry, opt for a richer cream. She recommends trying Topix Replenix Serum CF in the summer and Topix Replenix Cream CF during colder weather.

A: Yes, for instance, body hair and dead skin cells can irritate skin in the summer months, according to WebMD. To prevent irritation, exfoliate to get rid of flaky skin, use moisturizer and shave or wax body hair to prevent bumps, rashes and trapped sweat that can irritate skin. As for winter, cold temperatures can leave skin dry and uncomfortable, so a rich moisturizer is important to prevent cracked, chapped skin.

A: Be flexible with your skin regimen and adjust accordingly depending on how your skin feels in the coming months. For instance, if your skin becomes even drier in cooler weather, choose an ultra-moisturizing cream. Also, opt for a mild cleanser. If you have oily skin, summer may be the time to apply an oil-free moisturizer and exfoliate more often. If you’re prone to acne as the humidity and temperatures rise, use a cleanser with an acne-fighting formula.

A: It’s crucial to wear sunscreen all year round. In fact, you can get just as bad of a sunburn in the winter as you can in the summer. This is especially true if you live in a snowy area or participate in snow sports — the snow reflects the sun, like water does, giving you a painful sunburn. And remember that a tan also signals sun damage.

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Flexibility in your skincare routine is essential to keeping skin healthy from season to season. Whether it’s switching up your moisturizer in the oily summer months or finding an effective sunscreen to wear year-round, learn how to respond to your skin’s needs with season-appropriate skincare.